People living nearby rushed to inferno which erupted at 12.20am yesterday morning but the heat was so intense it was impossible to get into the lofts to rescue the birds, their young and eggs which were just about to hatch.

Among the dead animals were seven prize winners who had been bred over a number of years.

The lofts were owned by Harris brothers and partners, including main owner Eric Harris, 56, brother Steven, 49 and John Harrison, 58.

"Heartbroken and gutted" Eric, a construction worker, said: "It's the destruction of a lifetime's work. We think someone must have done it deliberately out of jealousy or whatever as it looks like they got in further down the allotments and bypassed several other lofts before attacking ours.

"They broke into our generator shed and stole petrol and doused the lofts with it and straw, before setting everything ablaze."

Locals were in tears and appalled at the apparent cruelty of the attack.

Some 52 birds died in the inferno [EVENING GAZETTE ]

Eric said they have spent £8,000 on top birds and building the lofts, off Graham Street, Liverton Mines, Teeside, which are now charred ruins, with the remains of the birds trapped inside and burned alive in their cages.

He added: "We think it's either someone jealous of our success, or with a grudge. I'm absolutely devastated and the whole village is disgusted. I was in bed at my home in Graham Street when I realised it was alight.

"People tried, but realised there was nothing anyone could do. It was an inferno.

"One of my birds had won the Yearling Derby national race from Folkestone and I was second too. They're both dead.

"Also, one of my birds won the Bourges gold medal classic from near Paris.

"There were six or seven top winners in there - all gone. It's taken years to breed them.

"Anyone with information, please tell the police and help catch who did this. Police were informed and are going to take fingerprints.

Over £8,000 worth of damage was caused to the Lofts [EVENING GAZETTE ]

"The fire brigade were here within minutes. I'd like to thank them too. I've just got five racers left, which were elsewhere."

A spokesperson for the Royal Racing Pigeon Association said: "We deplore any such callous action and would urge anyone with information to come forward and help the police find the culprits.

"Jealousy will exist in pigeon racing as it does in all competitive hobbies and sports – thankfully instances as extreme as this are very rare indeed."

Ex local pigeon club chair Geoff Winspear said: "I'm absolutely disgusted. These lads have never done anything to anyone."

Offers of help have been pouring in from Teesside fanciers, with one even offering the trio a replacement loft.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said a scene of crime officer and fire investigator will be investigating.

She said the fire has not yet been confirmed as arson and added: "Police attended at 12.30am yesterday morning. Inquiries are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire."